By The Association of Passengers Ghana expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of clear communication from transport operators regarding proposed increases in transport fares nationwide. In a press statement issued on Monday, April 15, the Association’s convener, Afia Kwarteng Asamani, highlighted the adverse effects of this miscommunication, which has resulted in confusion among commuters and drivers.
Madam Asamani stressed the urgent need to address this issue, warning that failure to do so promptly could escalate into an unfortunate situation not in the best interest of Ghanaians. The association expressed concern that the ambiguity surrounding the approved fares could potentially worsen tensions between passengers and transport operators.
The Association of Passengers Ghana called upon transport operators to take swift action by engaging their members on the approved fares and ensuring transparent communication with the public.
They emphasized the crucial need for disseminating accurate information to prevent further confusion and safeguard the interests of both commuters and drivers.
“While we acknowledge the recent increment in the price of petrol and other products, leading to the need for increased transport fares, we emphasize the importance of clear communication to avoid confusion.
“Whether the increase is 20% or 30%, it should be explicitly stated to prevent misunderstandings between bus conductors and commuters, given the prevailing economic difficulties and other factors exacerbating the living conditions of commuters.”
“Through this statement, we encourage all our members to remain calm while awaiting the approval of the final proposed 20% increase in transport fares by the recognized union, GPRTU, as well as GRTCC.”
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) recently issued a joint advisory urging commuters not to pay any new transport fares that have not received official approval.
This advisory was prompted by the announcement made by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana regarding a proposed 30% increase in transport fares, scheduled to take effect on Saturday, April 13. In their joint press release, the GPRTU and the GRTCC attributed the decision to raise fares to the government’s perceived failure to adequately address lingering grievances within the transport sector.
However, the directive has led to some confusion and disagreement between commuters and drivers regarding the implementation of the new fare adjustments.
